The Connecticut Department of Tourism is offering some great travel packages for locals and tourists alike, whether you live in, are passing through or planning a visit to The Nutmeg State.

It's road trip time! Residents and visitors are invited to redefine their vacations (or staycations!) and try something new a short drive away. There are curated travel packages available for families, friends and couples across the state at award-winning accommodations and attractions. Wether you're looking for a daytime adventure or weekend retreat there’s something for everyone and every budget. 

An experience is the best gift you can give and will result in memories that last a lifetime. Put down the laptops, iPhones and iPads and hit the road. To help make planning easier, the Connecticut Office of Tourism is serving up a list of some of the hottest packages available right now through September and beyond. Package details and additional deals can be found at the all-new www.CTvisit.com.

The following packages are perfect for the adventurous family:

• Mystic Aquarium Vacation Package: Watch the whales and have fun among the fishes with a package featuring two adult and two child tickets to Mystic Aquarium, a welcome gift and accommodations for four at the Howard Johnson Inn-Mystic.
• Science Center Discovery Package: Explore more than 150 hands-on exhibits with four tickets to the Connecticut Science Center and overnight accommodations at the Marriott Hartford Downtown.
• Maritime Aquarium Package: Voted a top 25 U.S. aquarium, the Maritime Aquarium package includes two tickets to the aquarium and IMAX theater, overnight accommodations at Hampton Inn Shelton and breakfast.
• Lake Compounce Four Ticket Package: Hop on dozens of thrilling rides, including Phobia Phear Coaster, the first triple launch coaster to hit the northeast. The package includes four adult tickets to Lake Compounce, overnight accommodations at the Residence Inn by Marriott-Southington and full hot breakfast.

Couples and friends looking to indulge in a spa experience, sip wine or just explore Connecticut can escape the heat with one of these packages:

• Bike “Inn” by the Sea, Beach Cruiser Getaway Package: Unwind with a two-night stay at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, breakfast both days, use of two bikes with itineraries, $25 gift certificate to Café Sol and more.
• Spa-Cation Package: Escape for some R&R with accommodations for two at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor, a 60-minute Delamar Massage for each guest, champagne toast and $40 credit to l’escale for breakfast.
• Gouveia Vineyard Package: Taste award-winning vintages while perched high atop 140 sun-kissed acres. The package includes deluxe accommodations at the Courtyard by Marriott-Wallingford, tasting for two at Gouveia Vineyard and round-trip transportation to/from the vineyard.
• Weekday Bliss Spa Package: Take a “weekday away” with this package for two including a $220 spa credit for services at Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa, overnight accommodations in an upgraded Whirlpool king at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa and breakfast buffet at Octagon.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to pack up those bags!